The first four horseracing superstars to be inducted into the SA Hall Of Fame were announced in Cape Town at Wednesday’s barrier draw for the Sun Met Celebrated with G.H. Mumm after a selection process – including a public vote – involving lists of nominees in each racing sector.
Harry and Bridget Oppenheimer were honoured to become the first owners inducted into the Hall Of Fame, which looks to be an exciting development in South African horse-racing.
The Oppenheimers purchased Mauritzfontein in 1945, having first gotten involved with horse-racing in 1940 and acquired their first stallion in the form of the high class French galloper Janus in 1951. Janus went on to enjoy considerable success at Mauritzfontein with his stakes winners included the July winner Tiger Fish.
Subsequent high class stallions to have stood at the Kimberley Farm include Wilwyn, Free Ride, Fort Wood, Strike Smartly and current inmate Ideal World –whose son Rainbow Bridge is currently a currently a lively fancy for the 2019 G1 Sun Met.
Fort Wood’s influence continues today through his numerous high class broodmare daughters and his successful sire sons Dynasty and Elusive Fort, while Horse Chestnut has become a very successful broodmare sire, with his daughters enjoying success both locally and internationally.
Among the numerous stars bred by Mauritzfontein are the champions Horse Chestnut, King Willow, Marinaresco, Cherry On The Top, Dog Wood, Greys Inn and Smart Call.